NPI Blog

Our Commitment to Our Community: What NPI Is Doing to Develop Young Workers for the Future

If you think that Norfolk Plumbing is just like any other plumber, you might be interested to know that we’re not. Any plumber will tell you they’re committed to their customers, but what about the community? At NPI, we’re also committed to helping young people learn skills and get jobs in our workforce today.

While getting an education is important, college isn’t for everyone. In a world where job security is more important than ever before, many high school students may be dismayed at the high costs and course requirements of a four year degree from a liberal arts school. However, the state of Virginia offers a special program that can help students pick a trade and learn the skills required to be the best at that specific job. Norfolk Plumbing is proud to have a part in that program.

As a part of this program, we offer apprenticeships to students. The only requirement on behalf of the student is a high school diploma/GED and a felony-free record. Students can come to us and apply for the program, where they will work with us as they learn specific trade related skills in classes. This is a great opportunity for those who don’t think college is right for them, but still want to pursue a specific career.

Meet Spencer Buckle, one of our apprentices (shown in the picture above). Spencer has been working with us since 2011. He works forty hours a week, while attending classes a couple of nights each week to learn the specifics of the trade. Spencer says the program is helpful as “it’s real hands-on, and you get to talk to guys in the field all day.” Spencer makes good money, while also taking classes at Norfolk Technical Vocational Center, paid for by Norfolk Plumbing. Of the nine apprentices that we have had, eight of them have stayed with us and are still working full time for the company.

We’ve participated in this program for eleven years, because we feel this is a great way to help people get started in a career. This program helps us properly train quality people. We’ve sponsored many employees over the years, and all of them have completed the four year program. Currently, we have three employees enrolled.

If you are interested in the apprenticeship program or know of someone who might be, you can find out more from the vocational technical center in Norfolk.

Thank you for your support of Norfolk Plumbing and our apprenticeship program!